Page 81 - Youth Discipleship Student Textbook

 Extremely low self-esteem
 Difficulty understanding the concept of a loving heavenly Father.

In counseling with sexual abuse victims, believe them, listen to them, support them, recognize their
emotional and perhaps medical needs, find community resources to help the, and most definitely, don’t
keep it a secret. The preparator need to be confronted and face the consequences of his action.

 What to teach victims of sexual abuse
 1. It’s not your fault.
It’s ALWAYS the fault of the abuser
 2. You need to seek help.
Don’t suffer in silence. Heal by sharing it with someone you trust.
 3. There is hope.
Many have sought help, worked through their pain, and are now living happy lives again.
 4. God cares.
And He loves them.

Disrupted Families

Since divorce is so prevalent in most countries, many people have been affected by it. It often involves
the trauma brought to the children in the family. As a youth pastor, you will find that many youth in the
group will have been influenced by its negative marks. Consider what they are:

 Loss of Income
 At times drastic.
 A lot of fathers pay little or no child support.
 This is the first loss that a lot of students feel.
 Loss of neighborhood
 Friendships, familiarity, church,
 Loss of church
 Emotional support
 Previously, it was their parents. Now their parents are looking for that support (and
unable to offer it).
 Loss of trust
 The family – the primary solid relationship in the student’s life – is now broken. Trust
goes with it.
 Loss of tradition
 Places students go on breaks, on holidays, etc.
 Loneliness and isolation
 Parents aren’t able to give for the first few years after divorce, so deep loneliness sets
in.
 Depression may even result – they’re hurt, angry, confused, and even embarrassed at
times.
 Feelings of guilt
 Teens often blame their parents’ divorce on their behavior.
 Help the student see they’re not a fault.
 Inability to love

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